Photo By Staff Sgt. James Bunn | Soldiers with U.S. Army Central listen to a presentation of the USARCENT National...... read more read more
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Service members with U.S. Army Central took time out of their day to learn about African American history and their contributions to our nation during the Black History Month observance Feb. 25, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
The theme for this year’s observance was "Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories."
To kick off the observance, Master Sgt. Deitra Bruton, the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Equal Opportunity Adviser, read President Barack Obama’s 2016 National African American History Month proclamation.
In this year’s proclamation, President Obama acknowledged the advancements in equal rights and put out a call to continue our progress as a nation toward complete equality. At the end of the proclamation, the president called on all to set time aside to properly observe African American History Month.
Following the proclamation, Service members read presentations about the contributions of African Americans and reflected on their history. From Jackie Robinson, who was the first African American to play in the National Baseball League, to the Tuskegee Airmen, an African American unit and one of the most decorated units to fly during World War II.
After the presentation, Lt. Gen. Michael X. Garrett, U.S. Army Central commanding general and keynote speaker, used the event to educate the audience on the role the Army played in the progression of equal rights.
“There are some specific sites, hallowed grounds, that lend meaning to the rich history of African American service in the Army,” said Garrett. “The Army itself can be considered in this context. It was in the wake of the Allied victory in Europe during World War II that President Truman issued Executive Order 9981, July 26, 1948, abolishing racial discrimination in the United States Armed Forces.”
Spc. Dereck Poe, a human resources specialist with the 160th Signal Brigade, played the piano for the observance and said he enjoyed the program.
"I feel it’s very important to observe African American and Black History Month,” said Poe. “I feel it brings us all closer, because we’re more aware of where we come from.”
Bruton, the observance coordinator, said she was delighted with all the Soldiers who helped to make the event possible.
“I was really pleased with the young Soldiers that stepped up and performed today,” said Bruton. “I loved how it all came together today.”
Reflecting on Garrett’s remarks, Bruton said the military is a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds. Adding, that understanding and accepting the diversity of others makes everyone stronger.
“As Soldiers we come from all over,” said Bruton. “I challenge everyone to find out about someone who is not like you. I think the more we know about each other, the better we work together.”
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.01.2016 04:55 |
| Story ID: | 190568 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 179 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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